Private v public healthcare – where is better in terms of career progression?

Those choosing to work in healthcare have the option of either working for the private of public sector. The public sector’s National Health Service (NHS) is a free provider for healthcare to citizens that live in the UK and the majority of professionals that work in the public sector are either primary care providers, meaning that they help patients at the onset of a health problem or they assist as secondary providers, meaning that they help patients that have specialist issues and have been referred from a primary doctor.

While a professional’s role will not vary much depending on which sector they choose, there are a number of variations that may influence a person’s decision, one being the chance for career progression. When recruiting for care, providers need to consider the fact that this is one of the determining factors for those keen to launch a career in care.

So, which sector offers better prospects when it comes to progression and promotions?

The reduced case load in private healthcare

One of the most widely recognisable benefits of working within the private healthcare sector is the fact that, in almost all circumstances, the case load is reduced. Healthcare professionals are still, of course, put in challenging and stressful environments, but because they are seeing fewer patients each day they are able to provide a more focused service, that, in some ways, will help them master skills more effectively.

There is also the risk of burnout, which is extremely apparent within the public sector. Resources are stretched and in many cases employees are overworked, which can lead to professionals choosing to leave their jobs.

More focussed on training

Private healthcare establishments tend to be much more focused on training their staff and helping them to progress with their careers. Again, a lot of this comes down to available resources. While the public sector is more overstretched, the private sector offers opportunities for individuals to push their career in the direction that they want to see it go.

Expanding your role

Those that choose to work in the private sector will benefit from the fact that they can experience a wide range of roles and responsibilities which will help them to broaden their horizons and improve their skills. For example, senior care staff that work in the private sector also have the opportunity to get involved with recruitment.

While working for the public sector offers great variety and also ensures that professionals are always kept busy thanks to the current strain on the NHS, the private sector offers much better prospects for those keen to progress in their career.